Mini-Camp Tour - NFC West
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Despite the addition of rookie third-rounder Leonard Pope, Eric Edwards remains on top of the depth chart at tight end. Adam Bergen finished last year strong there as well. Until Dennis Green starts using the position more, I'd stay away from the whole group. … The Cardinals are strangely settled at running back, but there is a competition worth watching between J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp. I thought Shipp might get cut, but Arizona turned down trade requests for him, which may be an indictment on Arrington. For now, though, I wouldn't bother handcuffing Edgerrin James. … Stalwart defensive end Bertrand Berry is fully recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him last season. Michael Strahan successfully returned from the injury in 2005 and had a great season.
Rising: Kurt Warner – Didn't hurt himself in off-season.
Falling: Arrington – May not even be the backup.
St. Louis Rams
Marshall Faulk sounds like a player who is ready to retire. After suffering a setback following knee surgery, Faulk said, ''Are we going to be playing for a championship? If that doesn't seem possible, then you start thinking about other things."
Even the most optimistic Rams fan doesn't think they are Super Bowl contenders. If he retires, St. Louis has a problem behind Steven Jackson. Tony Fisher is a decent No. 3 back at best, and the Rams have nothing behind him. Look for St. Louis to sign a veteran or trade for a veteran. T.J. Duckett and Michael Bennett are possibilities. Jackson would benefit, staying on the field on third downs. … If the Rams actually pass protect this year, it could mean less playing time for No. 3 receiver Kevin Curtis. I still wonder if he has any chance to beat out Isaac Bruce for the starting wideout job. The new regime in St. Louis didn't have much regard for Bruce's legacy when they released him before re-signing the veteran. … Rookie Joe Klopfenstein has the early edge for the starting tight end job. Rookie tight ends don't usually produce, but he's someone to monitor. … The acquisition of Dave Ragone at quarterback probably means everyone's favorite Harvard graduate, Ryan Fitzpatrick, won't survive training camp.
Rising: Jackson – Ready for 375 touches.
Falling: Faulk - Fantasy's No. 1 player in 2000 and 2001 may be the best receiving back of all time.
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| Jerramy Stevens' value may be going down slightly this season. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images) |
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are waiting for two of their playmakers, wide receiver Darrell Jackson and tight end Jerramy Stevens, to return to full strength. D-Jax is expected to return from knee surgery by the start of training camp, even if he's limited to one practice a day. Stevens, entering a contract year, may not be back until late August. While I still have Jackson listed as a late WR1 if he checks out medically, Stevens isn't worth the risk unless he's at full strength. … Bobby Engram has been lining up as a starter at minicamps, but is likely to move back to the slot as long as Jackson and Nate Burleson are healthy. Engram wants a fair chance to start, but probably won't get it. That's why we love Burleson as an undervalued play this year. … Last year's third-round pick, quarterback David Greene, may be released if he doesn't have a good training camp. The team could sign a veteran and cut bait with the former Georgia Bulldog, who isn't the "backup of the future" Mike Holmgren envisioned. … Losing Steve Hutchinson, the All Pro guard, can't be a good thing. But the Seahawks have great depth with last year's first-round pick Chris Spencer ready to step up and former Patriots starter Tom Ashworth probably coming off the bench.
Rising: Matt Hasselbeck – Bound to score more, has a new wideout.
Falling: Stevens – Inconsistent career at best before 2005 and now injured.
San Francisco 49ers
Running back Frank Gore (shoulder) and Kevan Barlow (knee) returned to off-season work just before the 49ers broke before training camp. They should each be ready for August. My guess is Barlow starts August atop the depth chart, but Gore finishes there. His production last season is too hard to ignore, and he's a Mike Nolan draft pick. Barlow isn't, and is better suited to be a third-down back despite his size. … There's been a lot of positive stories about quarterback Alex Smith "getting it" in his second off-season. While we're skeptical, it was only 12 months ago people were convinced Eli Manning was a bust. The receiver group is much better this season, with Antonio Bryant, Vernon Davis and Eric Johnson added to the mix. … Davis has wowed teammates and reportedly can't be covered, but needs to work on his hands. With Johnson still around, I think 40-45 catches is an optimistic projection. Davis is likely to be overvalued. … Bryan Gilmore is the favorite for the No. 3 receiver role, which means he's likely to start when Arnaz Battle gets injured. I still think Battle is worth a late-round flier in PPR leagues, but the Hines Ward clone can't seem to stay on the field. ... Venerable safety Tony Parrish returned from a broken leg in June. He's always a steady IDP producer.
Rising: Smith – Only place to go is up.
Falling: Barlow – If Gore's healthy, his role will be limited.
Gregg Rosenthal directs the football coverage for RotoWorld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly. You can reach him at GRosenthal@Rotoworld.com.
